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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Machiavelli define avarice?
(a) Being of the disposition to take what is not one's own.
(b) Being nothing but a warrior.
(c) Being miserly and not generous enough.
(d) Being so generous that he has nothing left.

2. Why does Machiavelli insist that a prince recalled by the people after being conquered offers him no security?
(a) It is only a last ditch effort at establishing the dominion.
(b) It is probably only a stop-gap moment.
(c) It does not depend upon the prince himself for success.
(d) It is noble and, therefore, weak.

3. What does Machiavelli suggest is the best fortress for a prince?
(a) A palace in the center of the city.
(b) A palace surrounded by a wide moat.
(c) Favorable public opinion.
(d) Military barracks surrounding his palace.

4. What did Heiro of Syracuse do when he realized his mercenary troops were worthless?
(a) He put them on the front lines to be killed.
(b) He hired more mercenaries.
(c) He refused to pay them.
(d) He had them cut to pieces.

5. How will the prince be seen if his ministers are capable and wise even though he is not?
(a) He will be seen as having a great deal of luck.
(b) He will be seen as capable and wise.
(c) He will be seen as a puppet to his ministers.
(d) He will be seen as inferior.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who does Machiavelli assign blame to when a prince loses his dominion?

2. What metaphor does Machiavelli use to explain his ideas about Fortune?

3. Machiavelli's political thought is influenced greatly by the ideas of what?

4. Why does Machiavelli insist that a prince need not always be honest?

5. What is the first test of a new prince as a judge?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Machiavelli's position on fortresses.

2. What does Machiavelli say is the first estimate of a prince as a ruler? Why?

3. How does Machiavelli evaluate the three types of mind he says princes may have?

4. How does Machiavelli suggest a prince can be cruel and still be respected?

5. Describe the two main reasons that a prince may be secure one day and lose his dominion the next.

6. Discuss Machiavelli's discourse on flattery.

7. How does Machiavelli tell the prince to avoid assassination attempts against him?

8. Outline Machiavelli's position of honesty in a prince.

9. When there is peace outside the principality, what does Machiavelli caution against?

10. What kind of reading does Machiavelli advise for the prince? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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